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Fishing In The Gulf Of Mexico

Fishing In The Gulf Of Mexico

Fishing In The Gulf Of Mexico

For those who currently live in Louisiana and get to enjoy the luxuries of fishing, this is the area to be. The Gulf of Mexico is one of the greatest areas to fish, and this area is a rich habitat of reefs, coastal wetlands, and marine organisms that carry over 200 different types of saltwater fish to look for.

The Gulf is considered to be the 9th largest body of water that is located in the world, and the water covers about 600,000 square miles. There are over 1440  FinFish Species of that habitats the water every year, and 60% also includes oysters, along with 75% of shrimp is located in this area as well. There are so many different colored fish in the sea, along with a huge selection to look for.

 

Common Fish To Catch

One of the most common fish that are caught in this area is the Red Snapper fish. These type of fish are known to live near the bottom located near reefs and rocks. These type of fish are heavily regulated and have a large minimum size compared to other game fish in the Gulf of Mexico.

The second popular Gulf fish that people tend to catch is the Gag Grouper. Gag Groupers can be found 30 feet deep in the water, but larger ones can be found in deeper locations, as deep as 265 feet down.

Another popular delicacy that people tend to find that tastes wonderful is the Greater Amberjack. These fish are a lot more aggressive and they are large for their size, usually weighing in between 20-50lbs or bigger.

Another delicacy is the Cobia. Cobia are found from the major, high-salinity bays to waters 250 feet deep, although they have been observed in waters 4,000 feet deep.  These fish can be caught weighing around 50 lbs but have been known to get much larger.

 

Yellowfin Tuna

One of the top fish to catch in the Gulf are Yellowfin Tuna. These type of fish taste delicious and can be found anywhere in the Gulf of Mexico. If you go Tuna fishing, they are extremely fast swimmers clocking in around 28 mph, delivering one heck of a good fight! This type of meat is a fatty fish, and are great broiled or grilled providing a delicious savory taste.

 

Not All Fish Can Be Caught

There are several fish in the ocean that are protected by federal and state regulations. People are not allowed to fish for certain types of grouper fish, snappers, turtles, dolphins, whales, sturgeons, and several other fish in the sea as well. There is a specific website that discusses all the fish that are not allowed to be fished for.

The Gulf Of Mexico is extremely large and is surrounded by the North American continent, and you will find a lot of people charter fishing in this area, and in order for someone to fish they must comply with the federal or state reef regulations otherwise they can get in a lot of trouble that can lead to prison time.

Enjoy your fishing and follow local rules and regulations. For more information about local fishing rules you can check with your charter boat captain.

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Fishing From a Kayak

kayak fishing

Why Fish From a Kayak?

Kayaking has grown substantially as a water sport over the last several years—and fishermen are taking advantage of it. Many kayaks now come with fishing rod holders and live wells, and for those that don’t you can easy buy parts to attach your own.

Kayaks are obviously cheaper than boats, and the running and upkeep of them is also significantly less. You can pick up a Kayak to go fishing pretty inexpensively.  You don’t have expensive batteries to charge or replace, you don’t have to fill it with gas, you don’t have to have a trailer, and your kayak does not have to be registered, so long as it has no motor.

But other than the obvious—

Why are so many fishermen trying out kayak fishing?

 

Well, here are 6 reasons kayak fishing has exploded in popularity:

 

Kayak fishing is cheap.

As mentioned before, there’s no fuel, insurance, storage, launch fees, motor and battery upkeep, trailer upkeep… I could go on. After the initial costs, you pretty much run for free. It’s important to remember what you need though—the kayak (which can run you anywhere from $150 to over $1000 depending on what you get and which brand it is), the paddle, and a life vest. Also useful to get would be an anchor, a dry bag, a small tackle box, a small ice chest, some bungee cords, and comfortable seat if your kayak doesn’t come with one. Assuming you already own the fishing tackle, that’s not too bad of an upfront cost compared to a motorboat.  Click Here to look for Kayak fishing stuff

 

Kayaks are comfortable.

There have been so many improvements to kayaks—fully raised chairs, comfortable seat backs, drink holders. All of your gear is within arm’s reach of you. And you learn exactly the items you truly need to bring.

 

Kayaks are stealthy.

A kayak is quieter and less noticeable to fish than any motor boat. You don’t even have a trolling motor to make noise. In a kayak, the pressure from the bow of the boat is so little that there are not even small ripples to scare fish away. You can even add to your stealth by adhering stealth rubber to every spot on your boat that you lay paddles, tackle boxes and rods.

 

It’s easier to cast from a kayak.

When you cast from a motor boat, it is mostly perpendicular to the bank and your lure swims from shallow water to deep. When you’re in a kayak, you have a major advantage by placing your kayak right on the marsh grass. Then you can cast up the grass line and retrieve along the grass. This is typically where a lot of fish are. When you cast into open water from the shoreline, the lure swims the natural path of a bait fish—from deep to shallow water.

 

Kayaks can get anywhere.

Speaking of placing your kayak on the marsh grass—with a boat, you can’t do this. Kayaks can fit into almost anywhere. In Louisiana marshes, there are so many small inlets and pockets that boats can’t fit, but you’ll find that your kayak can!  They may not work out for deep sea fishing for Mahi Mahi – but you get the point. 

 

Kayaks are more fun even when you aren’t catching fish.

Unfortunately, there is always that one day where not a single fish will bite. Because a kayak is so stealthy, you’re likely to see tons of other wildlife around that you wouldn’t see in a boat. Also, you can take your kayak out for the day just for sightseeing or exercise, and you won’t be wasting tons of money on gas. Even if you’ve bought a fishing kayak, you can load that thing down for a scenic day trip for just as much fun!

Read More About Kayak Fishing

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2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke Outboard Motors

2 stroke and 4 stroke outboard motors

With all of the New Orleans fishing and fishing out of Venice LA, just about everyone in Louisiana has a boat.  Whether you are looking at a new boat and motor or you are looking to freshen your old boat up for the Spring fishing season with a new motor, choosing the right design is important. One of the largest investments in your boat is the type of outboard motor.  We will give a brief discussion of the differences between the 2 stroke and 4 stroke outboard motor for your next boat.

Many people are tasked with making a choice between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke outboard motor for their fishing vessel. There are many factors that play a big part when choosing one over the other. Ever since its invention and release to the public, the 2-stroke outboard motor dominated the marine market. The man credited with producing the first reliable outboard motor was Ole Evinrude. In 1909 Ole produced a 2-stroke outboard motor that ran on an oil and gas mixture that eventually led to the creation of the Evinrude Motor Company. This 2-stroke design was the go-to power plant for almost all recreational boating. From small flat boats to larger offshore fishing rigs, the 2-stroke remained king for many decades. That is until recent years with new developments in technology helping the 4-stroke slide into the marine markets.

Difference Between a 2 Stroke and a 4 Stroke Motor

The 4 Stroke Motor

In the early years the 4-stroke marine outboards were large and very expensive to maintain. Developments over the years have helped the 4-stroke shed some weight to be closer to a 2-stroke of comparable output. Much like cars and trucks, consumers have some choices between EFI and DFI systems also. Both of which are much more efficient than carbureted engines. Although most of the smaller output motors around 5hp and 10hp are still carbureted. When it comes to the big block outboards of 150hp and 300hp, fuel injection is the way to go for efficiency over the long run.

Some of the things needed to consider when purchasing a new outboard, or a used one, are what types of activities will the motor be used for, what type of boat it will be installed on, locations to be running the boat, and cost of maintenance just to name a few. In the past 2-stroke motors were very load at high speeds and have a rough idle compared to a 4-stroke motor. While this is true for the most part, new technology and other advancements have made some 2-strokes almost as quiet as their 4-stroke counterparts. People wanting takeoff power have usually gone to the 2-stroke for the torque off the line. With advances in performance the 4-stroke now has takeoff power and long run efficiency to go with it. There are many models that are supercharged for increased performance and we all love forced induction.

outboard motorsWith quieter running and smoother idle a 4-stroke may be the way to go for trolling but maintenance costs are higher than with a 2-stroke. However, some of the newer 2-stroke Evinrude motors offer smoother idle, quieter running, and improved economy while keeping the simplicity of 2-stroke maintenance. If long runs are the primary use then the smooth operation and fuel economy of the 4-stroke may be where it’s at. If the primary location is protected waters a 4-stroke may be the only choice other than paddles. Another thing to keep in mind is that spare motor we rarely use but may come to depend on at some time.  

Whichever way you decide to go for your fishing vessel keep all the tasks you will perform when boating as well as the performance recommendations of the boat manufacturer in mind before making a final decision. An outboard is a rather large purchase for most people and a wrong buy can mean a lot of aggravation, frustration, and financial headaches down the road. Compare the pros and cons of each motor on your vessel and make an educated and confidant choice to power your outings on the water.

 

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The Lionfish – Enemy to New Orleans Offshore Fishing

lionfish

The Lionfish Not a Native to The Gulf of Mexico

The Lionfish originate from the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea.  Lionfish began appearing in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, and they have now made our Gulf of Mexico home and are rapidly spreading throughout the region. The presence of the Lionfish has substantially affected New Orleans charter fishing.  It is believed that the Lionfish spread into the Gulf after they were introduced by people who had them in aquariums near the area of Southeast Florida in the 1980’s.  Louisiana fishing charter captains are watching and recording the migration and captures of this predator in the Gulf of Mexico.   This fish could impact the numbers of native fish in our region.

Lionfish Facts

  • It is not uncommon to find more than 100 lionfish on a small reef at one time
  • Lionfish possess 13 dorsal, 2 pelvic, and 3 anal spines that are venomous
  • An accidental stick from a Lionfish can be very painful
  • They have fins that are needle-sharp, and can easily penetrate wet suits
  • Lionfish are very elusive to the angler hook & line, making them difficult to catch
  • Lionfish have no natural predators in our area, nothing in our Gulf of Mexico will eat them except us!
  • Lionfish eat aggressively our native fish and crustaceans
  • The Lionfish has been observed eating prey up to 2/3 their own size!
  • Lionfish have shown the ability to withstand starvation for periods of up to 12 weeks.
  • Lionfish are found in higher densities in our Gulf of Mexico compared to other invaded regions
  • Lionfish in the Gulf of Mexico are capable of releasing up to an average of 27,000, but as high as 115,000 eggs as often as every 2-3 days.
  • Lionfish are typically white, with maroon stripes, but they have the ability to change colors to blend in with their environments over time.
  • You may also find Lionfish that are almost completely white or black.

Size Matters

LionfishAdult lionfish in the Gulf of Mexico can average approximately 9 inches long, and just over one-half pound in weight. Remember from the above list, they can eat prey up to 2/3 their own size.  The largest lionfish recorded in the Gulf of Mexico was 17.2 inches long. The world record lionfish was captured in Southeast Florida and was 18.5 inches long.  These numbers can certainly grow, as the amount of Lionfish are captured and recorded.

What to Do if you Capture this Predator

Well, for starters, be careful.  Handling this predator can lend to be quite painful if you are stuck by one of their many venomous fins.  Though the sticks have not shown to cause fatalities, they can cause swelling and extreme pain.  The Lionfish Coalition suggests using submersion in non-scalding hot water. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or pain medications may also be helpful in reducing the pain and swelling associated with a lionfish sting. Allergic reactions or shock symptoms should be considered an emergency situation, and you need to seek immediate medical treatment.

Now, if you happen to “safely” capture a few Lionfish, their a quite a tasty meal.  Their meat is mild, sweet, and flaky. Lionfish can be prepared many ways and Lionfish are just as safe to eat as  Snapper and Grouper.  Use these tasty lil predators in chowder, sautéed, deep fried whole, even with lemon or lime in ceviche.

Recipes for Lionfish, Let’s Eat Them Before They Eat Our Native fish!

Fried Lionfish

Ingredients:

  • 42 ounces Lionfish fillets, patted dry
  • Flour (for coating)
  • 5 cloves of diced garlic
  • 2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 T. chopped fresh basil
  • lemon wedge for garnish

Preparation: Dredge fillets in flour to lightly dust. Place in sauté pan with small amount of hot butter over medium heat. Cook first side, careful not to burn.

Turn over fish when golden, and reduce heat. Add the garlic, tomatoes,  white wine and lemon juice. Cover and cook until fish is fork-tender.  Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Lionfish Ceviche

The acid from one or more types of citrus juices “cook” the fish, while flavors are added with  chilies, and herbs. Ceviche should only be made with the freshest of seafood.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juiceLionfish Ceviche
  • 1/3 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
  • 3 Tbs. fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • Pinch of sugar to taste
  • Pinch of salt to taste
  • 1/2 lb. lionfish fillets cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 small, ripe avocado, pitted and cubed
  • 1/2 cup cubed cucumber
  • 2 serrano chilies, minced
  • 2 Tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Tbs. fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 Tbs. olive oil

Directions:
In a glass or plastic bowl, stir together lemon, lime, and orange juices. Season with salt and just enough sugar to offset the acid of the citrus juice.

Cut the Lionfish filets into 1/2-inch cubes, and add to the citrus juice. Be sure to Completely cover the fish with the citrus juices, this basically “cooks” the fish with the acids. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, chilies, cilantro, and mint and stir to combine.

Transfer the fish to a colander and drain for several seconds. Once drained, add the fish to the tomato mixture and mix.

Drizzle with the combined ingredients with oil and salt to taste

Divide the ceviche among four small bowls and serve immediately.

 

If you are interested, click the lionfish records link for the current Gulf States lionfish records, and to report a state record in the Gulf of Mexico that you have captured, please contact the Gulf Coast Lionfish Coalition for instructions

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